Norway keen on biotech partnerships

Norway is keen on leveraging India's expertise in biotechnology for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

A high level delegation, headed by Norwegian minister for trade and industry Borge Brende and senior vice-president of Innovation Norway Roar Tobro are meeting industry leaders in Bangalore to evaluate investment possibilities and to promote greater co-operation between the two countries.

Speaking at the inauguration of a seminar on Indo-Norwegian biotech opportunities as part of a Norwegian trade and investment promotion initiative, Brende said that Norway was keen on sharing its expertise in the areas of aqua culture, marine biotechnology, fisheries and in the oil and natural gas sector as well as draw upon India's expertise in the IT and BT areas.

"To Norway, co-operation is crucial both scientifically and industrially. Being a small country we have to find the right partners and the right areas," he said adding that trade between Norway and India has grown 44 per cent, from $300 million two years ago.

The co-operation has so far been in shipping, metals, paper, machinery and electronic equipment. The mission therefore seeks to offer cooperation in the areas of maritime and offshore sector, IT and marine biotechnology, besides promoting R&D and innovation.

"It is natural for us to come to Bangalore after Delhi, and I had a meeting with minister for industries P G R Sindhia when we discussed areas for cooperation like seafood processing where Norway is a leader," he said.